Shelf divider structure



Feb. 28, 1961 J c, DUNHAM 7 2,973,101

SHELF DIVIDER STRUCTURE Filed April 25, 1960 2She9ts-Sheet 1 /1 J5 w Eli jnVEnfUF c/o/m 6'. Dem/7 am Feb. 28, 1961 N M 2,973,101

SHELF DIVIDER STRUCTURE Filed April 25, 1960 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.5

."W a I v hm // [Z1 VEHZ UF V c/a/m Cf Dunham SHELF DIVIDER STRUCTURE John C. Dunham, Aurora, 11]., assignor to Aurora Equipment Company, Aurora, 131., a corporation of Illinois Filed Apr. 25, 1960, Ser. No. 24,537

11 Claims. (Cl. 211-184) This invention relates generally to a shelf structure and more particularly to a shelf divider apparatus or structure for assembly with one or more of the shelves of the shelf structure.

In the past, many attempts have been made to develop a satisfactory shelf divider structure for a shelf structure. In most cases, if not in every case, the shelf divider structures that have been developed have not been suitable for this purpose since they slip relative tothe shelf when the lower end of the divider is subjected to a load. The reason why the divider tends to slip is because the divider has not been provided with adequate lateral support.

The present invention relates to a new type of shelf di-. vider structure which in the illustrated form is adapted for use with a metal shelf structure. The: divider is manually slidable along the length of the shelf to place it in the desired position. When the shelf divider structure is mounted on one of the shelves, it absolutely will not slip or slide along the shelf when the lower end of the divider is subjected to a heavy load such as by a stack of phonograph records being leaned against the divider. The instant shelf divider structure may be sold as a unit with shelf structures or it may be sold independently for use with shelf structures already in use.

The shelf divider structure or unit is basically comprised of a divider and a T-shaped member. The T-shaped member may be one-piece or it may comprise two angles which are'secu'red together, as shown, End

angles are optional depending on Whether the'shelf that it is to be attached to has sufficient end channels to sup-' port the T-shaped member. v g

It is an important object of this invention to provide a shelf divider structure including a shelf'divider which when mounted on a shelf will maintain itself in position at all times even though it maybe subjected to. a heavy load such as by a stack of phonograph records being leaned against the divider. v v

7 Another object of this invention is to" provide a shelf divider structure which may be economically manufactured.

A further object of this invention is to provide a shelf divider structure which .may' be very readilyl assembled with a shelf structure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sheif divider structure for assembly with a shelfstructure including a shelf divider which may be readily'manually moved along the length of the shelf in accordance with the needs of the user. v V a According to the general features of'this' invention, there is provided a shelf divider'structure for use with a shelf structure and which-is adapted to be mounted on anjunderside of a shelf, the shelf divider structure comprising a T-shaped member having opposite' ends f'or' eris gagement within opposite channeled shelf edges of: a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a; flat plateslidable along the lentgh of the 'F-shapedmember and having a pair of tabs turned away from tlie'plat'e at its opposite sides raised States Patent 0 l i the like.

and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped member having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion of the T-shaped' member, the tabs bearing against the crosspiece portion to prevent the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the T-shaped member when a lower end portion of the fiat plate is subjected to a load.

According to other features of the present invention, the plate is provided with a notched area between the tabs and one of its plate edges and the notched area includes a plate notch edge, whereby the divider is sus pended from the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member by the tabs which are engaged on one side of the cross-piece portion and with the cross-piece portion being'disposed in the notched area and engaged on its opposite side by'the plate notch edge, the tabs and the plate notch edge coacting together to resist tipping of the flat plate.

Still another feature of the present invention concerns the T-shaped member which may comprise a pair of angles having means securing a first pair of legs of the angles together in such a way that a second pair of legs are disposed at a common plane and so that the second pair of legs operate to comprise the cross-piece portion.

Yet anotherfeature of the present invention relates to confronting channeled shelf edges having an angle and means attaching the angle to the associated channeled shelf edge for reinforcement and to provide a more solid connection between the shelf and the T-shaped member when the latter is secured in assembly with the channeled shelf edges. 7

Other objects and features of the present invention will more fully become apparent in view of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accom panying drawings which illustrate therein a single embodiment.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 isa front elevation of a shelf structure having my novel shelf divider structure mounted thereon, ac-

cording to principles of the present invention;

c Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line II-II looking in the direction indicated by the arrows as shown in Figure l;

. Figure ,3 is an enlarged bottom viewof a shelf having my shelf divider structure in assembly therewith;

Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a shelf divider; and

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line V-V looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, as shown in Figure 3.

As shown on the drawings: 7 1

The reference numeral 8 in Figure 1 indicates generallyv a shelf structure. The shelf structure is comprised of a series of vertical posts 9 and a series of vertically spaced shelves 10 which aresecured in assembly with the posts 9 by means of suitable fasteners 11. The fasteners, as illustrated, each comprise a nut 11a and a bolt 1111.

According to the present invention, a new and improved shelf divider structure 12 is provided for assembly with one or more of the shelves it); The components of the shelf structure jas well as the shelf divider structure may be comprised of'any suitable materials such as steel and The shelf divider structureis maintained in assembiy with the shelf structure 8 by means of the engagement of the shelf divider structure 12 with confronting channeled edges 13 and 14 disposed at opposite ends of each of the i shelves 10. v

Patented Feb. 28, 1961' The main components of the shelf divider structure 12 are at least one shelf divider or fiat divider plate 15 and a crosspiece or T-shaped member 16 or a member having a T-shaped portion.

The shelf divider 15 includes a notched area 15a disposed at an upper edge thereof. A portion of the material cut away from the notched area 15a is utilized to provide a pair of tabs 15b, 150 which are directed at right angles with respect to the plates in opposite directions with respect to one another and disposed on op posite sides of the plate. Disposed below the tabs 15b, 15c is a notch edge or C-shaped edge 15d. In order to reinforce the end of the divider 15 having the tabs 15b, 150, the divider is provided with vertically extending embossments 152, 15s. 1 V

The T-shaped member 16 is comprised of a pair of angles 17 which are identical to one another and each include a vertical leg 17a and a horizontal leg 17b. The vertical legs 17a, 1711 are secured in back-to back relation and secured in assembly together by any suitable means such as fasteners indicated at 18 (Figure 2). The vertical legs 17a, 17a are disposed with respect to one another in such a way that the horizontal legs 17b, 17b are disposed in a common plane so as to comprise a crosspiece portion of the T-shaped member. The vertical legs 17a, 17a comprise a stern portion of the T-shaped member.

Each of the angled legs 17b, 17b is provided with an angled leg recessed area 17c which is of a longitudinal dimension in excess of the length of the plate tab 150. The reason for this is to permit the divider 15 to be readily assembled on the T-shaped member 16 by aligning one of the tabs 15b or 150 with the recessed area and moving the divider 15 towards the shelf until the tab is moved through the recessed area whereupon the divider is moved longitudinally of the recessed area to connect the divider 15 in assembly with the T-shaped member 16. By providing a recessed area 170 at opposite ends of the T-shaped member 16, it is possible to assemble the divider 15 with the shelf structure from either end thereof to facilitateuse of the divider where the shelf is already loaded with materials.

In order to reinforce the juncture between the T-shaped member 16 and the channeled edges 13 and 14, channel angles 18 and 19 are secured by means of fasteners 20 with the channeled edges 13 and 14. The channel angles 18 and 19 include vertical channel angle legs 18a and 19a as well as horizontal channel angle legs 18band 1%. It is the vertical channel angle legs 18a and 19a which are secured by means of the fasteners to the shelf 10. The horizontal channel angle legs 18b and 19b providemeans by which the T-shaped'member 16 is supported.

The shelf divider structure may be sold as a separate unit or as a part of the shelf structure 8. In either case, the shelf divider structure may be assembled with the shelf structure 8 by initially securing the channel angles 18 and 19 to the shelf 10, as previously described. Then the T-shaped member 16, which may be either a one or two piece structure, as desired, may be assembled with the shelf by resting it on top of the channel angle legs 13b and 1912. A suitable number of" shelf dividers 15 may then be assembled with the T-shaped member 16 in the manner previously described. Before the dividers 15 are secured to the member 16, the structure 8 should'be checked to be sure the T-shaped membertis' secured to the shelf in centered relation with respect to the shelf it overlies, so that the dividers may be over the center of the shelf below. The member 16 will then be in centered position with respect to'the end channels 13 and 14.

When the dividers 15 are in assembly with the T-shaped member the tabs 15b and 15s are supported on the crosspiece portion comprising the angles legs 17b, 17b. The G-shaped edge 150? is engaged about the cross-piece portion to further support the divider 15 on the T-shaped member. The divider 15 may be moved longitudinally of the T-shaped member by applying a longitudinal force to the divider 15 at an area adjacent to the top end of the divider.

Once the divider is in position, files, phonograph records and the like may be stacked against the divider, and the divider will not move longitudinally of the T-shaped member since the tabs 15b, 15c and the edge 15d coact with the T-shaped member and the shelf to prevent accidental displacement.

Where a shelf divider structure is to be assembled with a shelf structure 8, the shelves 10 may be manufactured of a thinner gauge of metal since the T-shaped member 16 operates to reinforce the shelf along its length. The shelf structure 8, shown in Figure 1, has a bottom shelf of a thicker gauge since it does not have a T-shaped member 16 to reinforce it. Also, the shelf divider structure 12 could be attached to the shelf 10 in other suitable ways by bolts or welds without the use of the end channels 13. Preferably the end channels 13 and 14 are used to hold the structure.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

1 claim as my invention:

1. As an article of manufacture, a shelf divider structure for use with a shelf structure and adapted to be mounted on an underside of a shelf on a shelf structure with the shelf having channeled shelf edges, the shelf divider structure including a crosspiece member having opposite ends constructed for engagement within opposite channeled shelf edges of a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a fiat plate slidable along the length of said crosspiece member and having a pair of tabs connected to said plate and extending away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, said crosspiece member having an area formed to enable one of the tabs to be 'telescoped therethrough so that the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of the cross-piece. member, the tabs bearing against the crosspiece member to assist in preventing the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the crosspiece member when a lower end portion of the flat plate is subjected to a load. a

2. As an article of manufacture, a shelf divider structure for use with a shelf structure and adapted to be mounted on an underside of a shelf on a shelf structure with the shelf having channeled shelf edges, the shelf divider structure including a T-shaped member having opposite ends adapted for engagement within opposite channeled shelf edges of a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a fiat plate slidable along the length of the T-shaped member having a pair of tabs turned away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with, respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped member having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so that the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion of'the T-shaped member, the tabs bearing against the cross-piece portion to prevent the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the T-shapedmember when a lower end portion of therflat plate is subjected to a load, said plate having a notched area between the tabs at one of its plate "edges and including a plate notch edge, the divider being suspended from the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped' member by said tabs which are engaged on vone side of said cross-piece portion and with the crosspiece portion being" disposed in the notched area and engaged on its opposite side by said plate notch edge; the tabs and the plate notch edge coacting together to resist tipping of the fiat plate.

- 3. In combinatioma shelf divider structure and a shelf structure, the shelf structure including a shelf having confronting channeled shelf edges, the shelf divider structure including a T-shaped member having opposite ends engaged within said confronting channeled shelf edges of said shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a flat plate slidable along the length of the T-shaped member having a pair of tabs turned away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped member having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so that the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member, the tabs bearing against the cross-piece portion to prevent the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the T-shaped member when a lower end portion of the fiat plate is subjected to a load, said plate having a notched area between the tabs at one of its plate edges and including a plate notch edge, the divider being suspended from the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member by said tabs which are engaged on one side of said cross-piece portion and with the cross-piece portion being disposed in the notched area and engaged on its opposite side by said plate notch edge, the tabs and the plate notch edge coacting together to resist tipping of the flat plate.

4. The combinaion of claim 3 further characterized by the T-shaped member comprising a pair of angles and means securing a first pair of legs of said angles together and with a second pair of legs disposed in a common plane and comprising said cross piece portion.

5. The combination of claim 3 further characterized by each of said confronting channeled shelf edges having an angle and means attaching the angle to the associated channeled shelf edge for reinforcement and to provide a more solid connection between the shelf and the T- shaped member when the latter is secured in assembly with the channeled shelf edges.

6. The combination of claim 3 further characterized by said shelf divider having embossments adjacent the tabs to reinforce the area of the flat plate where the tabs are located.

7. The combination of claim 3 further characterized by said T-shaped member having a notched area so the tab on the shelf divider may pass therethrough in the assembly and removed of the shelf divider from the T- shaped member.

8. A shelf divider structure for use with a shelf structure and adapted to be mounted on shelf edges on an underside of a shelf, the shelf divider structure including a T-shaped member including cross piece and stem portions and having opposite ends adapted for support on shelf edges of a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a flat plate slidable along the length of the T-shaped member having a notched area along an upper edge, a pair of tabs formed from the material out from the area and turned away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped member having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so that the tabs are disposed on opposite sides of the stem portion and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion on the T-shaped member, said plate including a plate notch edge, the divider being suspended from the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member by said tabs which are engaged on one side of said cross-piece portion and with the cross-piece portion being disposed in the notched area and engaged on its opposite side by saidplate notch edge, the tabs and the plate notch edge being adapted to coact together with the shelf and the T-shaped member to resist tipping of the flat plate.

9. The shelf divider structure of claim 8 further characterized by the T-shaped member comprising a pair of angles and means securing a first pair of legs of said angles together and with a second pair of legs disposed in a common plane and comprising said crosspiece portion.

10. A shelf divider structure adapted to be mounted on an underside of a shelf having confronting channeled shelf edges, the, shelf divider structure including a T-shaped member having opposite ends adapted for engagement within confronting channeled shelf edges of a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a plate slidable along the length of the T-shaped member having a pair of tabs turned away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped member having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so that the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member, the tabs being separated from one another by a C-shaped edge on the divider with the C-shaped edge engaged about the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped member, the tabs being engaged against the cross-piece portion to prevent the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the T-shaped member when a lower end portion of the flat plate is subjected to a load.

11. A shelf structure adapted to be mounted on an underside of a shelf, the shelf structure including a member having a T-shaped portion with opposite ends, the member being adapted for attachment to the underside of a shelf, and a shelf divider comprising a plate slidable along the length of the T-shaped portion having a pair of tabs turned away from the plate at its opposite sides and in opposite directions with respect to the plate and to one another, the T-shaped portion having a recessed area to enable one of the tabs to be telescoped therethrough so that the tabs may be engaged and carried in assembly on one side of a cross-piece portion of the T-shaped portion, the tabs being separated from one another by a C-shaped edge on the divider with the C-shaped edge disposed about the cross-piece portion of the T-shaped portion, the tabs being engaged against the cross-plece portion to prevent the shelf divider from being displaced along the length of the T-shaped portion rvhgn a lower end portion of the plate is subjected to a Kearns June 6, 1899 Peak May 9, 1911 

